Paul Westphal, a five-time NBA All-Star and head coach for seven seasons, is close to joining the Mavericks as an assistant coach. Contract negotiations to add Westphal to Avery Johnson's staff could begin Monday, a team source confirmed. Westphal, who last coached in the NBA in 2000, met with Johnson over dinner Thursday night. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Westphal, 56, would replace veteran coach Del Harris, who recently accepted a consultant's role with the team, and would join third-year assistant coach Joe Prunty on a staff that has one more vacancy. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram